May 2016 Babies

Stretching in my sleep - OUCH!!!

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Lauren206 wrote:

FTM.... The last two nights I seems to be waking up to myself stretching and causing stomach pain. The stretch is only lasting a few seconds because it's uncomfortable so I am instantly waking up. I am 16 weeks 5 days pregnant and don't recall during this in prior weeks. . I tried really hard not to stretch last night and sadly was unsuccessful and think I might have pulled a muscle in my belly. It's super sore to the right of my belly button. Anyone else find themselves stretching in the middle of the night? Could it hurt the baby?

I'm having the same problem. Also if I sleep on my back. When I talked to my doctor she told me its ligaments stretching. And to try to keep my knees bent. So if I sleep on my back to put a pillow under my knees. It's helped quite a bit.

Also I'm thinking I went thru a belly growth spurt cause yesterday I seriously had to eat every hour and nothing (I mean nothing) satisfied the sick feeling. (Sick feeling is what I feel when I am hungry, boooo). Anyways maybe I have stretched all along in my sleep and my belly grew bigger which now caused it to hurt??? Who knows. Love to hear your thoughts.

I'm 16 weeks 5 days too, and I went to switch sides last night and it was a very sharp intense pulling sensation, I didn't end up switching sides lol! I think it's round ligament pain, happens when you move quickly with me.

I am not sure if it is clear that I was stretching my entire body when I felt the stomach pain. It wasn't that my stomach was stretching on its own which is why I know it's not the round ligament pain.

I have #'s 6 & 7 on the way, also L&D RN. What you're experiencing is round ligament pain. Happens to me too, has with every pregnancy. Happens when I stretch, stand up quickly, cough, sometimes when I sneeze. Just another side effect of our growing uterus'!

But my ligament pain is in a different spot and I have been experiencing that for a few weeks now. Are there multiple ligament spots around the belly? Arg,

I just don't know how to keep myself from stretching my entire body (head to toe) in the middle of the night. That full body stretch causes the pain. (And that same full body stretch, years ago used to give me the worst Charlie horses in the middle of the night - thankfully that hasn't happened in a long time). I hope I don't accidentally stretch my body tonight and can get a good night sleep

As your uterus expands to accommodate your growing baby, some abdominal achiness is normal. You may experience dull or sharp pains on the sides, bottom, or all over your abdomen. Here are some of the types and causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy, plus tips for relief.

What does abdominal pain typically feel like?

Abdominal pain associated with pregnancy can feel dull, aching, throbbing, pulsing, or sharp, and it can happen in short bursts or persist for long periods of time. It can also be worse in one area of your body, like the sides of your stomach.

What causes it?

There are a few different reasons for these uncomfortable sensations. Most abdominal discomfort has normal causes. One common cause of pain is the stretching of the round ligaments located on either side of the abdomen, which support your uterus. These muscles start at the top of the abdomen and run to the groin area. As the fetus grows in your uterus, connective tissue stretches and causes the ligament to tighten suddenly, bringing on sharp pains. Other typical reasons aches and pains include constipation, acid reflux, gas, Braxton-Hicks contractions, and the buildup of endometrial tissue (the inner lining of your uterus) that would normally be shed during your period.

However, there are a few causes of pregnancy-related abdominal pain that can indicate complications. If other unusual symptoms accompany the abdominal pain, including heavy bleeding, back pain, body swelling, fever, persistent vomiting, painful urination or if the pain is so severe that it becomes debilitating, contact your health care provider.

Tips for feeling better

If you're suffering from abdominal pains, try the tips below for some relief:

Take a seat! Sitting down with your feet up can be the best medicine for this uncomfortable symptom.

Avoid sudden movements, especially in your third trimester. When your abdomen is stretched to the max, quick movements can cause your muscles and tendons to tense up. Ease into things to help your body adapt.

Don't overstretch an aching muscle. If something hurts, try leaning towards it to release muscular tension. Stretching can actually make it feel worse.

Use a warm compress on aches. It helps bring more blood to the area, which reduces muscle stiffness and inflammation.

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